Indians waste Carrasco’s strong start

Associated Press

MINNEAPOLIS

One small slip in mechanics was enough to foil another strong start for Carlos Carrasco and the Cleveland Indians.

Carrasco and Cleveland couldn’t overcome a two-run single by Kurt Suzuki in the second inning and lost 4-1 to the Minnesota Twins.

Trevor Plouffe hit his 17th home run and Tommy Milone (6-3) returned from the disabled list and pitched five innings for Minnesota. Four Twins relievers held the Indians scoreless over the final four innings, capped by Glen Perkins working the ninth for his 31st save.

Carrasco (11-9) said he lost his normal arm slot when he allowed four hits and two runs in the second. After a discussion with pitching coach Mickey Callaway, Carrasco got back on track, but it wasn’t enough to avoid his third loss in four decisions.

“I thought he fought his mechanics a little bit today, more than he has,” Cleveland manager Terry Francona said. “But to his credit, he kind of collected it and he stayed out there and gave up two. He fought some things, but he gave up two and we had a great game. We struggled offensively today, and because of that, every time they scored impacted him.”

Sunday was another missed chance for Carrasco and the Indians. Carrasco has pitched at least seven innings in each of his last four starts and has an ERA of 1.36, giving up five runs in 33 innings during that span.

Cleveland has scored just six runs during that stretch and Carrasco has one win to show for it.

“I don’t care about that,” Carrasco said. “I just care, give everything to win the game, go deep in the game, too. You know what? We have some more games. We come back tomorrow and win.”

Carrasco finished with seven strikeouts while allowing six hits and three walks.

Milone, making his first start since coming off the DL with a left elbow strain, was limited to 76 pitches. He allowed one run on three hits with three strikeouts to help the Twins win just their third series since the All-Star break.

“We got Suzuki’s big hit early, and at the end we were able to make that stand up,” Twins manager Paul Molitor said. “Big kudos to the bullpen today.”

RABURN RETURNS

Ryan Raburn made his return to Cleveland’s lineup after missing five games while on the bereavement list. He was activated prior to Saturday’s game when the Indians sent Zach Walters back to Triple-A.

Raburn scored the only run of the game for the Indians on Sunday. He led off the second inning with a double and scored on a sacrifice fly by Abraham Almonte.

“Anytime you get on the field, you know is a blessing, especially to get a hit right out of the gate was great,” Raburn said. “I wish I could have come through there at the end with my last at-bat. I wasn’t able to.”

Raburn, who only had 18 at-bats this season against right-handed pitching, struck out to end the eighth against Twins reliever Kevin Jepsen with two runners on base.

TRAINER’S ROOM

INDIANS: Francona said INF Jason Kipnis will not go on a rehab assignment and could be activated from the DL today from right shoulder inflammation. ... All Star OF Michael Brantley (left shoulder) continues to take batting practice and could be available to DH today.

TWINS: RHP Phil Hughes was “feeling a little better” after getting a midweek cortisone shot in his lower left back, according to manager Paul Molitor. . GM Terry Ryan said RHP Ricky Nolasco has yet to throw off a mound as he tries to come back from an ankle injury.